Sarojini Market, as it is popularly known, is one of the most interesting and crowded markets in Delhi. Located in the central area of South Delhi, this market attracts both residents and visitors who want to check out its wide range of goods. Trendy outfits, fun clip-on ties or pretty bangles, anything you can think of is available to them at a very reasonable price, without compromising on price or quality.
Sarojini Market Quick Information
Location | Sarojini Nagar, New Delhi, India |
Timings | Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
Famous For | Affordable fashion clothing, accessories, and street shopping |
Nearest Metro | Sarojini Nagar Metro Station (Yellow Line) |
Nearby Restaurants | Indian Accent, Carnatic Café, Bikanervala, Moti Mahal, and Haveli |
Opening & Closing Timings
Sarojini Market is crowded with people from the early morning as the market remains abuzz with activities throughout the day. The ideal hours of operation for the market are as follows:
Monday to Sunday – 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
It is worth noting that the market is mostly crowded on weekends or even on weekday evenings. So for less crowd, you can visit it during the morning hours on weekdays.
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History of Sarojini Market
After being established in the 1980s, Sarojini Market has evolved a lot over the years. Initially, the market had a few shops selling only Indian local goods. However, due to its incredible growth, many operators began to narrow the ethnic boundaries of the products offered for sale. Currently, the area is a marketplace in itself where one can see a spectrum of fashion trends found throughout the city of Delhi.
Getting to Sarojini Market
Sarojini Market’s central location means that it is easy to reach here. There is a metro station called Sarojini Nagar Metro Station which is just a few steps away from here. This facility helps in attracting shoppers from different corners of Delhi. Also, the area has many cheap vehicles called auto-rickshaws and several buses that make it easy to travel to this place.
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What to Expect
Variety of Accessories
As soon as you enter Sarojini Market, you will find a good range of products. This market has a huge collection of casual clothes to ethnic clothes. Dresses and tops as well as kurtis and lehengas are also available here in abundance.
Apparel
This market is also popular for Western wear which is fashionable and provides clothes at low prices. Summer dresses, jeans or good-looking tops are common here. Most of the street vendors focus more on this aspect of the place with their work.
Makeup
Apart from clothes, there are a lot of accessories available in Sarojini Market. These include beautiful colourful bangles, cute earrings and many more. There are also bags, shoes and scarves that look good with every or any outfit.
Home Decor
Apart from offering fashionable items, Sarojini Market also has premises for shops selling home decor items. You will find items like beautiful-looking lace wall hangings, designer cushion covers and finger pots. All these items can bring a more Indian feel to your home.
Bargaining Tips
The main aspect of shopping and buying things from a market like Sarojini is bargaining. Often, sellers will put extra prices on their goods given the expected bargain. Below are several useful strategies that will help you get the best possible price:
- Start Low – Begin the negotiation process at about thirty to forty percent of the first quoted price. This is important as it allows for upward negotiation.
- Be Confident – Approach the seller with confidence. A winning attitude helps in winning the right deal.
- Avoid Spending Beyond Your Limit – Always have an amount you are willing to spend on the area. Don’t overdo it, and don’t be tempted to negotiate other different deals.
- Be Willing To Compromise – The seller doesn’t want to give a price you are comfortable with. Be prepared to walk out. Many times, they will call you back with a different and better deal.
- Shop At Off-Peak Times – If you can, try to shop on the weekend or very early in the day. You will find that buyers are more willing to negotiate when there are fewer buyers.
Exploring Food Options
There is shopping, and then there is shopping in Sarojini Market, which is so tiring that it creates the need to eat. Thankfully, there are many food startups/concession stands and restaurants around the market. From food on the go to fast food, everything can be explored and satisfied.
Street Cuisine Treats
- Chaat – Chaat is probably the most loved snack in the northern parts of India. It is made from boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and some spicy chutney and served with onions and coriander. The vendors serve it hot and fresh.
- Parathas – Also, pay special attention to booths selling pre-cooked stuffed parathas. These often flaky buttery breads come with yogurt and pickles which is no less an option for a complete dining experience.
- Sweets – Lastly, take the opportunity to try Indian sweets like Jalebi and Gulab Jamun. Such sweets are like icing on the cake during a shopping trip.
Best Time to Visit
Although Sarojini Market is vibrant and active every day of the week, it is highly recommended to visit there during the cooler months, which are from October to March. This is because, during this range of months, the weather conditions are tolerable, making your shopping activities enjoyable.
Weekdays vs. Weekends
For those who like to relax and go about their business without any rush, there is no doubt that weekdays are the most suitable. This is contrary to expectations during weekends when families and tourists para-dropping into the market result in higher concentration levels. However, if crowds don’t bother you, weekends can be enjoyable as the market is full of life and capable customers.
Safety Tips
Safety tips are especially important when shopping in crowded places like Sarojini Market. Some of them are:
- Keep Your Belongings Secure – Do not leave your belongings unattended. It is advisable to use cross-body bags instead.
- Pay Attention To Your Surroundings – Pay attention to the environment, especially when it is crowded.
- Do Not Flaunt Your Wealth – It is always best to dress modestly to avoid attracting attention and active participation.
- Go Out Together – Where possible, shop with friends or family. It is safer in numbers and also makes the plan more effective.
Exploring Nearby Attractions
Dedicating a day to shopping is a very fun daily activity that I would also recommend. However, you may want to check out other nearby attractions. Here are some attractions very close to Sarojini Market:
Lodhi Gardens
Located not too far from the market, Lodhi Gardens offers a place to escape the busy urban environment. You can stroll through the beautiful gardens, see the intricately designed mausoleums and have a nice picnic in the lush grounds.
India Gate
Another famous landmark in the vicinity of Sarojini Market is India Gate. This massive monument is a war memorial dedicated to the men who fought for the country of India. Within the complex, the lawns surrounding the structure are a favourite place to relax among both residents and visitors.
National Gallery of Modern Art
Art lovers must visit the National Gallery of Modern Art. The gallery has a wide collection of modern Indian art which includes paintings by eminent artists.
Conclusion
Sarojini Market is the essence of shopping in Delhi. This special market is filled with different types of clothes, accessories and even food items that can easily satisfy any demand and any pocket. The atmosphere here is lively and you have to bargain on prices, which makes it a very interesting place to shop.
If you are a trendsetter looking for hot fashion or a common ‘tourist’ looking to buy something Indian, there is no better place than Sarojini Market. It is truly a paradise to visit. Tread carefully as most of you will be wearing your imaginative bargaining hats with your close friends. The colourful elements of Sarojini Market will welcome you. You will come back with a lot of bags, but you will also have some great memories with you thanks to the best shopping in Delhi.